We asked people from top museums for their insider tips about the best places to go when visiting their cities. From the quirky to the conventional, there’s something for everyone!
BY LUCY HIGGINS & CHLOE MARKOWICZ
Aberdeen, SCOTLAND
THE INSIDER… Shonagh Bain of Aberdeen Art Gallery. Open since 1885, the gallery exhibits some of the finest Scottish Colourists. Schoolhill; www.aagm.co.uk. HER TIPS… 1. CAFE BOHEME: For your own little bit of France in the middle of Aberdeen, head here for a delicious (and cheap!) French dining experience. For something a bit different, try the venison and gin stew. 23 Windmill Brae; www.cafebohemerestaurant.co.uk. 2. THE BELMONT HOUSE: Since 1910, this cinema has shown art-house, independent and foreign films, as well as more mainstream ones, on its three screens. Check out the annual French and Italian film festivals, and the regular quiz night. 49 Belmont Street; www.picturehouses.co.uk. 3. CAFE DRUMMONDS: Everyone from Chas & Dave to Belle and Sebastian has played here: as well as hosting touring acts, the bar also has frequent Battle of the Band and open-mic nights – so you can unleash your inner rock god! 1 Belmont Street; www.cafedrummond.co.uk. FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is just under 3km north-west of Aberdeen city centre. Buses to central Aberdeen depart every 30 mins at peak times; every 40 mins off-peak. Journey approx 40 mins; fare £1.20. Taxi fare: approx £10. www.aberdeenairport.
Alicante, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… Yasmina Campello, of the Archaeological Museum of Alicante, which houses eight galleries and uses multimedia to educate visitors. Plaça Dr. Gómez Ulla; www.marqalicante.com. HER TIPS… 1. HEAD TO THE HIGH STREET: Alicante’s main shopping area can be found between the Rambla, Calle Gerona, Calle Mayor and Calle del Teatro. Spend the afternoon wandering around the streets and be sure to sample Alicante’s famous dates, sugared almonds and nougats. Visit www.corazondealicante. com for a full list of shops. 2. PANORAMIS: Continue shopping in the Panoramis shopping centre, which has beautiful sea views. And once you’re all shopped out, head to the Cinemis cinema where, with several large screens, you can watch films and munch popcorn in peace. 6 Muelle de Poniente; www.panoramis.com. 3. SANTA BÁRBARA CASTLE: Located on top of Mount Benacantil, the castle [above] is one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses, and, at a height of 166 metres, it provides stunning views of Alicante’s bay. If you’re feeling energetic you can walk the steep path, but it’s easier to drive there or take the elevator to the top of the mountain (free if you’re disabled or an EU senior citizen). FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 11km south-east of Alicante city centre. Buses to central Alicante depart hourly. Journey approx 40 mins; fare €1. There are also regular buses to Murcia and Benidorm. Taxi fare: approx €12 to Alicante; €55 to Benidorm. www.aena.es.
Barcelona, SPAIN
THE INSIDER… Isabel Díaz at the Barcelona Maritime Museum, where you see ships of all shapes and sizes. www.museumaritimbarcelona.com. HER TIPS… 1. TORRE D’ALTA MARA: Tuck into duck foie gras and lobster at this luxurious restaurant in the sky. Located in a former watchtower 75m above sea level, the restaurant combines an excellent traditional Mediterranean menu with breathtaking views. 88 Passeig Joan de Barbo; www.torredealtamar.com. 2. MONUMENTO DE COLON: You might know him as Christopher Columbus, but in Spain the explorer is known as Cristobal Colon. If you walk down the end of Las Ramblas you can visit his monument [below], which dates back to 1888. You can even take a lift up to the top for panoramic views of the city. Plaza del Portal de la Pau. 3. EL PAILEBOT SANTA EULALIA: Ahoy, sailor. Go to Barcelona’s old port and step aboard this historical schooner, which dates back to 1918 and has been beautifully restored. Muelle de la Fusta.
FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 19km southeast of Barcelona city centre. All bmibaby flights depart from Terminal A. Buses to central Barcelona leave every 7 to 15 mins, from 6am to 1am. Journey approx 40 mins; fare €3.75. Trains to the city centre run every 30 mins, from 6.30am to 11.30pm. Journey approx 25 mins; fare €2.20. Taxi fare: approx €20. www.aena.es.
Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS
THE INSIDER… Axel Rüger, of the Van Gogh Museum, which this summer will run presentations about the painter, as well as the permanent art collection. 7 Paulus Potterstraat; www..vangoghmuseum.nl. HIS TIPS… 1. GO ORGANIC: Every Saturday there’s an organic farmers’ market in the Noordermarkt, a little square between the Westerstraat and the Prinsengracht (in the Jordaan quarter). Between 9am and 4pm every week, you can stock up on fresh and local organic fruit, vegetables, cheese, milk, bread, meat and flowers. 2. RELAX: Amsterdam has many sights and attractions to visit, but one of the nicest and most relaxing things to do is enjoy a slice of apple pie [left] and a cup of coffee at the delightful Café Winkel in the Noordermarket. The pie is baked fresh all day and you even get to see the chefs hand-peeling all the apples. Noordermarkt, 43.
3. GET CULTURAL: Choose from one of the many concerts on offer at the famous Concertgebouw at the Museumplein. There’s classical, world music, jazz, youth concerts, and even free lunchtime concerts every Wednesday. www.concertgebouw.nl. FROM THE AIRPORT: The airport is 14km from Amsterdam city centre. A shuttle service runs between the airport and city every 10 mins, from 6am to 9pm. Journey approx 30 mins; fare €11 one-way, €17.50 return. Trains run from the airport to the city 24 hours a day. Journey approx 20 mins; fare €3.60. Taxi fare: approx €40. www.schiphol.nl.
